Exercise-Socialize! Monticello-Farm Trails-2.6 miles-Dogs on Leashes Welcome!

Scenic, Relaxing Fall - Off trail (non-board walk). This hike will be on the lower section of the Secluded Farm trails system. We will take the Monticello Trail to Carter Overlook and from there hike narrow forest trails to the wide grassy paths of the upper meadow with its huge Tulip trees. Since we are not walking on board walks, dogs on leashes are welcome. The terrain is hilly with an elevation gain of 495 ft and considered a moderate level hike. Optional: Lunch at Beer Run, 156 Carlton Road. https://www.beerrun.com/

Weather: Forecast-Cloudy-mid 50s to low/mid 60s. A steady rain or light will cancel this activity. Cancellation notification will be made one hour prior to hike time.

Dog Policy: Dogs are welcome! They need to be well-behaved and capable of keeping up with the pace of hikers. And they should be on a short (max 6', non-retractable) leash. Owner needs to pick up after their dog.

Preparation: Bring drinking water for you (and your dog). Wear appropriate footwear. Wear sunscreen. Hiking poles can be useful and are optional.

Time: 9:45 AM. We will take a few minutes for introductions and "Trivia while Trekking" then begin our hike. The hike will take about 1.5-2 hours.

Directions:/Parking/Meeting: Saunders-Monticello Trail & Kemper Park Parking lot. From Charlottesville and I-64, take Rte. 20 south toward Scottsville. After I-64 ramps, pass through the light at College Drive, continuing to the next intersection at Rte. 53. You will see the parking lot on the left, but it is illegal to make a U-turn here. Do not go left on Rte. 53. Stay on Rte. 20 south, through the light at Rte. 53, then right onto Willow Lake Drive for a quick U-turn there, then left onto Rte. 20 northbound. After going through the light at Rte. 53, quickly move to the right and make a right onto Dairy Barn Rd. This is the LARGE parking lot, NOT the small lot on Rte. 53. Meet at the trail end (far end) of the parking lot.

Hike Leaders: The hike co-leaders (Nancy-703-627-9237 and Ken 703-622-5431) typically wear baseball style hats and are accompanied by Milo, their hike-loving dog. They usually arrive in a Black Honda Pilot.

RSVP Specifics: Sign up. Once signed up, if you decide not to attend, please update RSVP to No/Not Going, as soon as possible-at least 24 hours in advance, so others on the waitlist can join in. Same-day cancellations do not allow those on the waitlist to prepare for the hike.

Disclaimer: GetHiking Charlottesville's Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone.